General Asylum: REVIEW: Popio Pop-Up CD Tray/Case Accessory by ClanMan

Model:	Pop-Up CD Tray/Case
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$19.95
Description:	CD storage system that raises the CD for easy removal. Shelving units availabe soon.
Manufacturer URL:	Popio
Model Picture:	View

Review by ClanMan ( A ) on July 04, 2004 at 11:53:46
IP Address: 66.123.252.95

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for the Pop-Up CD Tray/Case

The retail is $19.95, but these can be found for $14.95. I have also seen them discounted for bulk purchase at: http://www.popiostore.com
One of my major complaints about CD storage is "snagging" the CD when trying to place it in the storage. These cases are just the right size so the CD slides in without coercing, yet is snug enough so they aren't loose.
Before using the Popio I wasn't all that interested in the "pop-up" idea, but now it would be hard to live without it. It is really helpful to have the CD pop out with a simple push using your finger. When planning a compilation recording I review the CDs and pop out those that I'm considering for the mix - but leave them in the holder until the final selection. The pop up mechanism is clearly well made and durable.
I bought 24 trays which will hold my 500 CD collection. A chest of drawers was used to hold the cases, but I plan to purchase the Popio shelving units which should be available any day.
The individual holders are much more convenient than my previous system where the CDs were just lined up vertically in a shelf. I always had to rotate my head to read the labels. That is no longer a problem with the trays in drawers (or in the Popio shelving units).
In short, I give this product an A for functionality. It is a good solution for a growing CD collection that requires expandable storage. I think they are working on matching DVD cases.

Product Weakness: No double-slots, but I always transfer my double CDs to two single trays and the current trend is to use single sized cases for double CDs.
Product Strengths: Durable, fit right, pop-ups work great, reasonable price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	none
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	none
Speakers:	none
Cables/Interconnects:	none
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	none
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No double-slots, but I always transfer my double CDs to two single trays and the current trend is to use single sized cases for double CDs.
Product Strengths:	Durable, fit right, pop-ups work great, reasonable price.